Pecan Pie Bars

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 05/27/21
Pecan Pie Bars

 Kristina Vanni
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 65 mins
Servings: 24
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
289 Calories
18g Fat
31g Carbs
2g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 289
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 8g 39%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 14mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 0mg 1%
Calcium 22mg 2%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 75mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

These pecan pie bars are not not only easy to prepare, they're a versatile sweet treat you can enjoy and share throughout the year.

Rather than using a pastry blender and rolling out a traditional pie crust by hand, the crust for these bars is made quick and easy by using the food processor. With just a few pulses, the ingredients come together to form the perfect pie crust dough. Once a dough forms, it is simply pressed into the pan.

Many of us often associate pecan pie with Thanksgiving. In fact, pecan pie bars would be a wonderful addition to the traditional Thanksgiving spread. In fact, the smaller, 2-inch square bars might be just the few sweet bites needed after filling your belly with turkey and all the fixings! These effortless bars are a great treat to serve along with an afternoon cup of coffee. They'd also make a unique contribution for your next holiday cookie exchange.

If you plan on packing up and sharing this no fuss-recipe, place the cut bars in an airtight food storage container with parchment paper between each layer. This will ensure that the bars won't stick to each other.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) unsalted butter , cut into pieces

  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

  • 3/4 cup honey

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract

  • 4 cups pecan halves

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Pecan Pie Bars
     Kristina Vanni

  2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the S-shaped (sabatier) blade, combine 3/4 cup of the chilled butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt. Process until moist clumps begin to form. 

    Pecan Pie Bars
     Kristina Vanni

  3. Add the flour and egg, and pulse just until a dough forms

    Pecan Pie Bars
    Kristina Vanni

  4. Press the dough onto bottom and 3/4 inch up the sides of a 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 22 minutes. Allow the crust to cool slightly on a wire rack. Maintain the oven temperature as you proceed through the next steps.

    Pecan Pie Bars
    Kristina Vanni

  5. In a large saucepan, bring the brown sugar, honey, and remaining 3/4 cup of butter to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil for 2 minutes. 

    Pecan Pie Bars
    Kristina Vanni 

  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract. (The mixture will bubbly slightly when the vanilla is added.)

    Pecan Pie Bars
    Kristina Vanni

  7. Add the pecans and stir to coat completely.

    Pecan Pie Bars
    Kristina Vanni 

  8. Pour the pecan filling onto prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the 375 degree oven. Bake until filling thickens and bubbles all over, about 20 minutes. 

    Pecan Pie Bars
    Kristina Vanni 

  9. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 2-inch squares.